Speeches: speech notes.

Reference code: CHUR 5/17A-G

Date: 22 Oct 1945 - 26 Apr 1948

Scope/content:

Speech notes for WSC's speech (8 March 1948, House of Commons) on navy estimates including: the absence of enemies at sea; the importance of the navy to sustaining the British empire; criticism of the Labour government's secrecy about their naval policy and naval estimates; previous mistakes in naval policy; the scrapping of ships; and his experiences as First Lord of the Admiralty. Source material includes: notes from Elizabeth Gilliatt [Secretary to WSC] and "N S" ["Jo" Sturdee, later Lady Onslow, Secretary to WSC]; correspondence from James Thomas [later 1st Lord Cilcennin], Commander John Maitland with notes on the naval policy of the Labour government, Philip Bremridge of the Conservative Party Secretariat on naval strengths; notes on the navy estimates; a pamphlet containing a statement by the First Lord of the Admiralty [1st Lord Hall, earlier George Hall] on the naval estimates for 1948-1949; and a copy of Hansard (dating to 22 October 1945) on the demobilisation bill. Published: Complete Speeches VII, pp 7603-13.

Speech notes for WSC's speech (16 March 1948, Church House [Westminster, London])to the association of adopted candidates including criticism of the Labour government.

Speech notes and Hansard report of WSC's speech (24 March 1948, House of Commons) at the Committee stage of the representation of the people bill including: the increase in the number of seats; criticism of the government's proposals and of the advantage Labour would gain; and the boundary commission's proposals. Published: Complete Speeches VII, pp 7614-22.

Speech notes for WSC's speech (30 March 1948, Albert Hall, London) to the Primrose League on the retirement of Sir [Sydney] Richard Wells as Chancellor [of the Primrose League] and on his successor [16th] Lord Teynham [earlier Christopher Roper-Curzon]; the Primrose League and Lord Randolph Churchill; and the importance of resistance against communism. (Labelled on file as dating to 30 April 1948).

Speech notes for WSC's speech (12 April 1948, Savoy Hotel, London) at the Pilgrim's Dinner for Eleanor Roosevelt and the unveiling of a memorial to Franklin Roosevelt including: relations between Great Britain and the United States; Roosevelt's achievements and the importance of Eleanor Roosevelt's role in supporting him. Published: Complete Speeches VII, pp 7624-5.

Speech notes for WSC's speech (21 April 1948, Albert Hall, London) to the Central Council Women's advisory committee of the Conservative Party including: the progress of the United Europe movement; the defeat of the Communist party in elections in Italy; the end of the death penalty; criticism of the Labour government's policy on various issues including the withdrawal of troops from Palestine, the Budget and taxation; criticism of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stafford Cripps; the important role played by women in the Conservative Party and the hardships faced by women. Source material includes: suggestions for the speech from Sir Stephen Piersenne, General Director of Conservative Central Office; correspondence from Reginald Maudling of the Conservative Party Secretariat with notes on social services, 1st Lord Woolton [earlier Frederick Marquis, Chairman, Conservative and Unionist Central Office], and [Gerard] Spencer Summers; notes from Lettice Marston [later Lettice Shillingford, Secretary to WSC], Elizabeth Gilliatt [Secretary to WSC], "N S" ["Jo" Sturdee, later Lady Onslow, Secretary to WSC]; and a transcript of a Party political broadcast for the Labour Party by Dr Edith Summerskill, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Food. Published: Complete Speeches, pp 7625-32.

Speech notes for WSC's speech (26 April 1948, House of Commons) seconding the motion of congratulation to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on their silver wedding. Published: Complete Speeches VII, pp 7632-3.